Latest Windshield Technology

A car’s windshield is one of the most important components of automobile safety by facilitating optimal visibility possible while driving. It also prevents dirt, debris, and liquid from getting into your car so it needs to be very durable. Most people mistakenly assume it’s simply a curved piece of glass on the front of the car but more and more technology is being integrated into car windshields.

As automobile technology advances, so does automobile windshield technology. Many car manufacturers are producing cars windshields with displays directly integrated in the glass. For example, there are now windshields with augmented reality heads-up displays which means you can continue to look through your windshield while still having all vital information, including navigation, visible. Popular Scienceexplains how transformative AR-HUD systems can be in both your driving experience and safety, “Panasonic is touting its version of a HUD, and it incorporates metrics like speed along with augmented reality features that highlight objects in the real world. The company has broken that down into “near field” and “far field” information, with the former showing data like your fuel level, and the latter incorporating that AR aspect. For example, a yellow bicycle icon may be overlaid on a real cyclist to help you notice them, while a digital green arrow could reveal the height of an upcoming overpass. And ideally, everything should be lined up nicely with the driver’s field of view, thanks to an eye-tracking feature. ‘Our AR HUD has a larger image size, and longer virtual image distance, which can add depth that makes the graphic appear to be floating in the real world,’ Sachiko Kobayashi, a UX designer with Panasonic Automotive Systems.”

Additionally, some cars are incorporating stronger, more durable Gorilla Glass. Gorilla Glass offers a number of advantages over traditional automobile glass. It is far lighter which improves your car’s performance and fuel efficiency, and it is also far more durable, with improved resistance to object impact, improved visibility, and improved safety. The future of automobile windshield glass is bright with many technological advances on the horizon.

What are latest advances in windshield?

Adjustable panels

A newest advancement in windshield makes it dim when exposed to sunlight. These panels carry the same photochromic dyes used in some eyeglasses. This technology protects drivers from visibility issues and ultraviolet radiation. It can even prevent bright headlights from opposite vehicles.

AR displays

Some modern cars are equipped with augmented reality technology for parking cameras. In the same way, augmented reality display on car windshield provides 3D projects in front of drivers. It can display a variety of information like weather conditions, close obstacles, pedestrians, GPS details, and mapping updates in real time. When integrated with the braking system, it even provides information about safe braking distance.

Eye tracking

Modern eye-tracking devices are found in the dashboard of a vehicle. Modern advances allow drivers to take a nap, as the eye-tracking technology can detect their sleep activity and direct the vehicle off the road to a safe area. As a result, a significant number of accidents are prevented. This eye-tracking may even help with insurance claims.

Heated front

The heating technology for windshields clears snow, fog, and condensation from the panel. Many high-end brands equip their cars with this feature to protect drivers from potentially dangerous situations. Similar to the heating features of a structures, the windshields clear away ice buildup. Moreover, vehicles can avoid the need of AC systems since the feature can heat the interiors of a vehicles, providing fuel conservation and reduced noises.

Gorilla glass

This chemically treated glass is poplar for its extreme durability, clear design, and light weight body. The use of gorilla glass in cars will safeguard the interiors from external factors like debris, stones, or insects. Most importantly, it enhances the visibility of drivers by delivering sharper and brighter vision. When compared with conventional panels, these gorilla windshields support interactive navigation and display features.

Wiper-less displays

Changes in weather conditions impose a lot of strain on wipers, as they have to clear water and dirt from the windshield. However wiper-less use ultra sonic sound to repel objects from the surface. It is achieved by mounting a transducer in the windshield to create the ample ultrasonic force required to clean the glass after rain or snow fall.

Security

The most breakthrough technology in windshield is increased safety features. Along with seat belts and airbags in a car, these glass panels are developing into a fundamental security component that protects drivers from collisions and accidents.